#Kayak Your Way To A Better Health: 5 Benefits Of #Kayaking That You Need To Know

By Georgia Noblet

Kayaking is amongst the most popular water sports or recreational activity that can be undertaken by people from all age groups and different walks of life. This can be attributed to a number of benefits that are brought forth by this recreational activity.

In fact, if you were to ask any kayaking enthusiast, hobbyist or professional, they would all agree about how paddling through water currents in a kayak is full of advantages. For instance, it is not only immensely helpful in taking away all the worries of your day-to-day life and also offers truckloads of health benefits.

Here are five such benefits of kayaking, which will motivate you to 'test the waters' and pursue it as your hobby or even a profession. Take a look:

1. A great stress buster: There is no doubt about the fact that kayaking takes away all the stress from your mind. As and when you glide through the waters, it feels as if you are having a conversation with nature. This works no less than a therapy and helps you relax your mind and makes you calm instantly. The repetitive paddling motion gives you a sense of rhythm and works akin to meditation.

2. Mixes exercise with excursion: As you all are aware of, kayaking is a leisure activity. However, when you use kayak paddles and make your way through various water bodies, it serves no less than a physical exercise for you. This way, you end up losing oodles of weight without even making any conscious efforts in that direction. Moreover, it is a low impact activity and therefore, there is no risk of excessive wear and tear in muscles or joints. Compare this with monotonous gym exercises and you will understand why people will definitely prefer kayaking any day!

3. Enhances your stamina: Kayaking on a regular basis provides the scope to improve your stamina like never before. For this purpose, you need not go on paddling for miles at once, but opt for short sessions each day and consistently work to increase the duration one step at a time. At the same time, this activity works on improving your overall fitness as well. This takes us to the next point.

4. Tones your entire body: It is a wrong notion that kayaking is an activity that targets mainly on exercising your upper torso that is your arms, shoulders and the chest part. On the contrary, it helps you opt for a full body exercise, including your abs, thighs and bottom. This is owing to the fact that every muscle in your body is used to control and maneuver the kayak. What you need to keep in mind is to buy the perfect kayak accessories such as paddles, clothing and helmet and you will be good to go.

5. Helps in weight loss: Kayaking allows you to naturally burn hundreds of calories per hour. For instance, you can burn up to 400 calories per hour, which is a pretty good figure! The best part here is that since it is an interesting and relaxing activity (refer to the points mentioned above), you will not feel tired or strained even after spending several hours in the water. In fact, the more time you spend, the more calories you will tend to burn. Simple!

In conclusion

These are just a handful of benefits, which are brought to the forefront by kayaking. Other than these, it also offers a sea of other advantages such as improving your hand-eye co-ordination, sharpening your senses, team building (when you opt for group kayaking) among others. So, if you have never tried your hand at kayaking, it is high time you do so and avail all these benefits for your health and much more. Cheers!

Georgia Noblet works with CH Smith Marine and has extensive experience in writing on various topics such as water sports and kayak paddles, which are relevant to her firm. Being a kayaking enthusiast herself, she likes to keep herself updated on the topic and explores more about the same through her write-ups.

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#Kayaking With Crocodiles and Killer Whales

By Naomi S Wilson

One of the most popular types of water based holidays is kayaking. Many people love to take part in kayaking as something fun to do on holiday and even as the focus on their holiday. Kayaking holidays come in various ways whether it's paddling down a secluded river or traveling to different destinations along the coast. It is activity that will never bore you as there is always something new and exciting to do with a kayak. It can often be a peaceful and relaxing activity as you can enjoy the tranquil waters, although there are some extreme and exciting kayaking holidays now available that are an experience in a life time.

Sea kayaking has been around for a long time but now you can kayak beside killer whales. Johnstone Strait in British Columbia, Canada is one of the many destinations that offer killer whale kayaking. It is great if you love sea kayaking but want an added extra or if you want to witness the whales in the wild. It is an incredible experience to view the whales playing, they maybe killer whales but they are friendly. The whales live in the waters to sleep, eat and play and share their home with dolphins, sea lions, seals, eagles, black bears and many other wild animals. You might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some of them. There really is nothing like paddling through the currents along side these great whales. Kayaking holidays within this environment is truly an amazing experience.

Another kayaking holiday with animals is in the jungle were you can find a rainforest adventure. Instead of whales and bears you may see crocodiles and monkeys. Travel to South America and stay in a private reserve where you can enjoy being among thousands of species you have never seen before. Staying on a private reserve means the area is well looked after, flowers and trees will be flourishing, animals will be nearby and the overall safety is very good. Kayaking holidays like these are not just about kayaking with crocodiles, there is much more on offer. Meet with the locals and get involved with harvesting or learning about the local wildlife. Fully immerse yourself in this holiday for a fulfilled experience. In both holidays there will be trained professionals to help and guide you every step of the way, take a step outside your comfort zone and enjoy the experience of your life.

Naomi Wilson is the Product Development Manager for ActivityBreaks, who offer exciting weekend breaks & Kayaking Holidays.

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CNY #Kayakers Lights on The Lake

December 6, 2015
Lights on the Lake

Read More Lights on The Lake 2015

Have You Ever Wanted to Experience #Kayaking Holidays?

By Naomi S Wilson

First of all let us begin by explaining exactly what kayaking is. Kayaking is a recreational water sport where participants use specialised boats called kayaks where you can explore a range of waterways, such as in the sea, up rivers, white water rapids, surf zones and lakes. Minimal skill is required and the activity can greatly be enjoyed by all! Obviously since there are different types of kayaking it is natural that there are a number of kayaking destinations. Europe is super for kayaking holidays and there is a great contrast between the different destinations.

If you love being active and being in the great outdoors and always love trying new things then kayaking holidays are perfect for you. A newly discovered destination which is just perfect for kayaking holidays is Croatia!

Kayaking really is wonderful in Croatia! Exploring Dubrovnik and around the Elafiti Islands with so much scenery and amazing views to take in you will have a super time. With a base on the sunny and picturesque Lopud Island known locally as the "living Island", where there is lush green scenery and a magnificent sandy beach of white limestone sand and no traffic, it really is a truly idyllic place to be based in Croatia for Kayaking. The vibrant and colourful waterfront promenade of the small island offers quirky waterfront restaurants and cafes, with ingredients being grown locally. Some of the 200 local residents even produce their own wine and olive oil. The park on the island is very well-known as a former garden of a grand villa and has a wide collection of plants collected from all around the world. The Island also offers stunning architecture, including a mix of old Greek, Roman and Slavic buildings and ruins. Lopud is fairly peaceful and quiet so if you are looking for more nightlife, Dubrovnik would offer more "life", which is only a short ferry journey away.

There are wonderful blue waters and lots of natural features including a landscape of giant rocks, high cliffs, colourful reefs, hidden caves and peaceful bays for you to explore but not just by kayak as many activities are on offer which you can take part in, including walking, cycling, rafting, canoeing, swimming and snorkelling at the close by beautiful uninhabited Island of Ruda, which has many interesting and unique sights to see!

Discover Kayaking holidays in Croatia, in this scenic coastal area known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic"

Naomi Wilson is the Product Development Manager for ActivityBreaks, who offer exciting weekend breaks & Kayaking Holidays.

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The #Capsize Drill for a Closed Cockpit #Kayak

By Matt Stephens

Capsizing and Escaping from a Closed Cockpit Kayak - The Basic and First Procedure

Introduction

When kayaking one of the most crucial things to be able to do is escape from your kayak should you need to, for example if you capsize and are unable to roll back up and there is no one else in the vicinity to rescue you (using a T Rescue, or often called an Eskimo Rescue).

Before setting out on the water the correct equipment should be worn; buoyancy aid (life jacket), helmet, warm clothing - dry, semi dry kagool or clothing to protect from elements (sun, rain, wind), appropriate foot wear. Other optional equipment includes a spray deck (covering the cockpit, stopping water to enter the kayak) in the form of cloth or neoprene.

The Capsize and Escape Drill (in a scenario)

You are out paddling on the river with your local kayak club on mild water (grade 1 - 2) and find you loose balance within some moving water and consequently end upside down. You have not yet learnt to self rescue (screw roll, hand roll) yourself back up.

1) Don't panic - doing so will reduce the amount of time you are able to hold your breath and may also lead to mistakes. Relax...that's the key.

2) When the kayak's settled in the water (ie. not still rolling over) its time for the most important part of the drill, Three loud bangs on the bottom of the kayak. To do this simply lean forwards (moving your head towards the spray deck) and reaching your hands out of the water onto the base of the kayak, in the middle of the cockpit area. From here bang three times.

This allows other kayakers near to you to be aware of your situation and take appropriate action.

This could lead to your being rescued in the form of an Eskimo Rescue.

3) Next, whilst remaining leant forward, move your hands into the same position as the three bangs stage above. This time however, bring your hands further towards the front of the kayak (around level with the front of your cockpit) whilst keeping them out of the water. They should now be positioned to the side of the kayak.

Now whilst holding this position, move your hands so that the palms of your hand are facing you (meaning your little finger is touching the kayak on both sides). Now move both hands down to the rear of the kayak, slowly, whilst keeping them out of the water as if you were directing a lorry reversing into a space.

Once your hands are level with the rear of the cockpit (around level with the back of your seat), turn your palms around so that they now face the front of the kayak. Then move them in a Reciprocating fashion, back and forth from front to back. See diagram below.

See diagram: http://www.eveshampaddlesport.co.uk/images/capsize_hand.jpg

This may seem silly but this allows you to find the nose of a kayak should someone try to Eskimo Rescue you by bringing their kayak in a T Shape to yours.

If this were a Eskimo Rescue you'd now pull yourself from the other kayakers kayak back up.

Lets continue as if there was no-one to rescue you, meaning you now need to escape the kayak and get wetter.

4) Pull the loop/strap/hoop at the front of your cockpit which is attached to your spray deck (the device that stops water entering your kayak).

This releases your deck, and water will start to enter your kayak. Don't panic!

5) Next whilst remaining in your kayak move your hands to behind the rear of your seat, with one hand either side of the kayak.

Push off from here using your hands, and you will naturally pivot out of your kayak in a sort of side ways "U" Shape.

6) You are now swimming in the water, whilst keeping hold of your paddle and kayak swim to the nearest or safest get out point (such as a slipway or fishing platform) and make an egress.

Note: whilst swimming a fellow kayaker may be able to empty your kayak of water and get you back in whilst still remaining on the river. This is called an "X Rescue".

Empty kayak and keep warm, by wrapping up and keeping out of the wind.

Matt Stephens

Evesham Paddlesport, 2007

[http://www.eveshampaddlesport.co.uk]

The Vale of Evesham's Kayak and Canoe Club

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Essential And Life Saving Safety Tips Highly Recommended In #Kayaking!

By Joe Okoro

In every endeavour that man engages himself, the issue of safety is an issue that should be highly imbibed. There should be no excuses as this can mean the loss of life when safety precautions are not honored. In the area of Kayaking, it is vital that every Kayaker should consider this as important as the art of Kayaking itself. No wonder the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has its rules concerning safety when it comes to Aviation matters.

If you are a Kayaker, you should already know that Kayaking is a sports adventure that is risky by nature and must be fully understood before anyone goes into it. Hence it is advisable if you are just starting, to understand such issues as reading the behaviour of water at different times of the day. Because this will help you to avoid being in the water when stormy weathers appear. This can cause the upsetting of the calm waters and may have catastrophic effect on anything floating on the waters. Apart from that, you want to make sure that your Kayaking equipments are high quality and you have learnt enough Kayaking skills to sufficiently take you through the waters without trouble.

On the other hand, you want to also learn how to swim. All professional Kayakers must as a requirement know how to swim very well. Obviously, since Kayaking is a water adventure, you need to fully understand the water in all areas to avoid being caught unaware by unforseen water events. To fully acquaint yourself with swimming, you will need to learn the art of swimming from either a professional swimmer or visit a neighborhood area that allows swimming in a pool. You must initially have the assistance of a lifebouy or water jacket to help in buoyancy while learning the swimming strokes. Such strokes as breast and butterfly are strokes you should learn how use to your advantage. When you have done all this, it is necessary that you repeat this swimming session over a period of time till you are comfortable on the waters without a life jacket while swimming.

One thing that might cause you fright for the novice Kayaker, is water creatures. You need not be afraid of them because when they see you with your Kayak, they swim away thinking you are one big fish trying to prey on them, unless if you are in inland waters where if any shark exist at all, can hardly find its way upstream. So you need not be afraid of the waters.

Learning how to swim first before kayaking will help you to avoid panic when problem situations arise in the water, it will help you to skillfully and confidently battle any difficulty you may have in the water when you eventually meet them. When you are through with your learning exercise on swimming, you can go to a real but not deep water to practice what you have learnt. If you don't have access to one, you might consider going with an experienced swimmer to the real water and try and test difficult situations and see how you are able to conquer and manage them. Over time you will see that you are confident and poised as you master all the techniques in Swimming and Kayaking.

For the Kayaker, who is a pro, his watch word is "Always Be Prepared". Expect problems even if they are never there. This will help you to successfully battle any one incase of any eventuality in Kayaking.

Joe Okoro writes about Kayaking in his free reports. You can sign up for his courses and get additional information by visiting: [http://www.coolcashjackpot.com/kayakingform.htm]

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T'ai Chi For #Kayaking And #Canoes Racing

By Jason Murphy

Kayaking and canoes involve paddling and water. T'ai Chi, a style of martial arts, is practiced on land with neither water nor boats. The two seem unrelated but did you know that T'ai Chi benefits water sports players like enthusiasts of kayaking and canoes racing? Paddling requires moving gracefully, strongly, and balanced on rough waters. It also puts much strain on the arms and the back, if done incorrectly. T'ai Chi improves and enhances paddling skills because the exercise and the sport follow the same principles.

Karen Knight and Betsey Forster, experts in kayaking and canoes racing, admit to doing T'ai Chi regularly. According to them, T'ai Chi provides cross-training. They claim that kayaking and T'ai Chi reinforce the skills and principles of each other which make practice of both relevant for improvement. They add that doing complementary exercises boosts the skills and energy levels of paddlers. The two share kayaking principles and the complementary T'ai Chi practices.

In any water sport, it is necessary to keep your body centered, quiet, and stable. These traits are reflected in your boat and spell the difference between staying on the boat or getting thrown off it. How you position your body and your posture play significant roles in kayaking and canoes racing. Sit straight and spread your weight equally between your buttocks to create a stable pelvic base. This position liberates your upper body and allows your lower body greater control over the boat. It is important to align your nose, navel, and tailbone to create a single unit. Making your body move and paddle as a unit minimize strain and risks of injuries. Another principle, called the paddler's box, incorporates power in paddling strokes. This is achieved by aligning hands and arms front of your shoulder plane. This ensures that your arms and shoulders are moving as a unit no matter how you paddle. Stable paddling is also a key factor in kayak racing. Most regard stable paddling as an accurate measure of the canoeists' skills. It is difficult to paddle quietly and keep the boat from bobbing but a good canoeist can do it. Avoiding pitching and bobbing the boat are done by keeping the boat stable and the paddling movement slow and accurate. Every move must be calculated because unnecessary motions can topple the boat over in rough current.

Stability, balance, and power are the main principles of kayaking. These are the very aspects T'ai Chi practices take care of. The T'ai Chi walk is recommended before launching and can help racers center and quiet their bodies in the water. It is done by elongating the spine much like the aligning of the nose, navel, and tailbone in kayaking and canoes racing, only this time, exercise is done standing up. The walk helps racers focus on their bodies and make them aware of their movements to reduce inefficiency. The steps are taken slowly with deliberate movements from the arms like paddling. The Hold The Ball movement aids in maintaining racers' paddler's box. In this exercise, the waist, arms, and torso do the work enabling them to get used to acting as unit before racing. Waist rotation is another exercise to improve efficiency of movement. The waists and the hips are given added power and stability since paddling action is rooted in the lower body. With these exercises, the canoeists' bodies are accustomed to being stable, maintaining balance, and efficient use of power.

Knight and Forster recommend practicing T'ai Chi regularly for those who are thinking of taking kayaking and canoes racing as a sport. This form of cross training also helps enthusiasts to become better riders and fluid paddlers. Regular training and T'ai Chi sessions keep canoeists ready and fit for succeeding kayaking and canoes racing events.

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